Family Counseling Services in Lake Shore, WA.

Growing up we may have at times thought we are in some sort of really bad sit com or even a horror movie. Our families at their best can function more like an athletes' fine tuned body, ready to move, compete and win. Appreciating each parts input to the whole is important. Learning how to supportively communicate, work and heal together we get a glimpse of the lasting victory that can be ours.

Most family therapists inadvertently create more chaos through their well-intentioned efforts to assist a family move through a change process. Why? Brains are inherently deregulated (all of us, may I add) and most talking and dialoguing misses brain-centric problems that need more intensive help. Many times the emotional trauma created by years of solving problems ineffectively can wreak havoc on the brain's parasympathetic nervous system, not ever giving the family a break from flight or fight thinking. Contact us for an innovative neuroscience solution to family dysfunction. Kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.

Clients who are having difficulties within their family are often surprised when they begin to understand that every member of the family (yes, even dogs and cats!) have developed fairly predictable roles within a bigger family system. It is like they are actors in a play that has been rehearsed over and over. Once they understand these patterns and roles, we move forward by searching for the patterns that are positive and the ones that that are causing pain in the family system. "Would you be willing to change those entrenched roles, if it means that your family can regain some of it's balance, playfulness, and love?" I ask them. If the answer is yes, I find that families soon benefit.

Families can be tricky. There are lots of dynamics and systems taking place all at the same time. I have raised four children in a blended family and I understand the complications. I have four adult children and two grandchildren so I can relate to parenting and children of various ages. I have training and education in child development and family dynamics. As a university professor, I taught courses in family therapy. I look forward to helping families find better ways to communicate and respect each other's differences.

I value each member of the family unit and encourage all voices to be heard in order for real change to happen. Often, one member of the family is singled out for being the "problem", when typically the problem is within the family system. I help families come to satisfactory solutions that they can live with. Topics discussed include: communication, power and control, boundaries, enmeshment, flexibility, family rules and secrets, and more. To assist couples, specifically, I use an excellent tool called, "Prepare Enrich" to assess and strengthen relationship issues for married, engaged, or unmarried couples. You may learn more about this method at: https://www.prepare-enrich.com

It's called Family Therapy—but we know that family can include any human you feel connected to. As Family Therapists we are trained to navigate the various relationships represented in the room and to assist each person in finding their voice. Family Therapy is a unique experience, and requires skilled professionals Issues that can be addressed from a Family Therapy perspective include: Grief/Loss Illness Remarriage Blended families Life transitions Resolving past hurts Accepting a family member’s sexuality Supporting a family member struggling with sexual identity Our skilled therapists can support you in coming together to find the best ways for your family to relate to each other.

The human mind is incredibly complex. As a family grows from two adults to a multigenerational system involving multiple personalities, communication styles and temperaments, disagreements are inevitable. The difference between a well-functioning family and one that is suffering from "dysfunction", is HOW conflict is handled within the household. I will help your family identify counterproductive communication patterns and power imbalances, and establish a healthy parental hierarchy that will result in greater respect and family functioning.

Families are both rewarding and frustrating. I work with families as a whole and then with each member individually to determine what role they play within the family dynamic. Communication centers on both what is said and what is heard. This is done to establish respect for each individual in the family, so that the family unit can function positively and as healthy as possible. Blended family dynamics are exceptionally challenging; however, hope abounds for all concerned.

As a family therapist, I see things from a systemic lens. This means that I see individuals as functioning within a larger family system. Family therapy can enhance growth in family members. Family therapy can also help family members learn new healthier ways of communicating and interacting with each other. One of my passions is helping families move from a shame base to a compassionate base.

Family therapy looks at the entire family system—parents, children, extended family members—to identify strengths and problematic behaviours. I collaborate with families on strategies for utilizing their own capabilities for resolving problems, and on developing effective communication and problem-solving skills for preventing conflicts. I specialize in working with families of teenagers, which is an age that can be challenging for both the teenagers and their parents.